Jane Lynch

Jane Marie Lynch was born on July 14, 1960, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and raised in Dolton, Illinois. She graduated with a theater degree from Illinois State University in 1982 and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University in 1984. Lynch spent 15 years in Chicago, performing with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and becoming one of only two women selected for The Second City comedy troupe. Her early career also involved honing improvisational skills at Annoyance Theater, notably playing Carol Brady in “The Real Live Brady Bunch.” She began her film career with a small role in “Vice Versa” in 1988 and gained further recognition in 1993 with a role alongside Harrison Ford in “The Fugitive.” During the 1990s, she appeared in numerous television commercials, including one directed by Christopher Guest for which she improvised, leading to future collaborations.

Lynch’s career saw a significant turning point with her mockumentary collaborations with Christopher Guest, starring in “Best in Show” (2000), “A Mighty Wind” (2003), and “For Your Consideration” (2006). Her role as Christy Cummings in “Best in Show” garnered attention and opened doors to more comedic roles. She further solidified her presence in mainstream comedies such as Judd Apatow’s “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” (2005), a role initially written for a man, and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (2006). Her extensive film work also includes “Role Models” (2008), “Paul” (2011), and voice roles in animated films like “Wreck-It Ralph” (2012) and “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs” (2009). On television, she had recurring roles in “Two and a Half Men” (2004–2014) and “The L Word” (2005–2009).

Lynch achieved widespread recognition for her role as Sue Sylvester in the musical comedy series “Glee” (2009–2015), which earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. She also developed a reputation as a prominent television host, leading “Hollywood Game Night” (2013–2020) for which she won two Primetime Emmy Awards, and currently serves as host and executive producer for the American version of “The Weakest Link” (2020–present). Her stage career includes her Broadway debut as Miss Hannigan in “Annie” (2013) and a return to Broadway as Mrs. Brice in “Funny Girl” (2022). In 2013, Lynch received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, acknowledging her contributions to the entertainment industry.